Solomon Islands in 2001

Despite the peace agreement reached in 2000 that ended two years of ethnic conflict in the Solomon Islands, the government led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare struggled to function in 2001. The economy remained in a state of near collapse, and the government was unable to meet its financial obligations or provide basic services. The power supply was irregular; civil servants went unpaid; businesses closed; and there were few exports in an economy where consumption was already heavily dependent on imports. The situation was exacerbated by the murder of a former commander of the Isatambu Freedom Movement and by violent attacks on politicians and government officials. In July the first $8 million tranche of a soft loan from Taiwan to compensate victims of ethnic violence led to disputes concerning distribution.

The government passed legislation granting amnesty to those who had taken part in ethnic violence since October 1998. A possible move from a provincial and national system of government to a federation of states remained under consideration. Despite concern over a lack of funds and administrative capacity, elections for the new 50-seat parliament took place on December 5. Former minister of foreign affairs Sir Allan Kemakeza was sworn in as prime minister.